Panama Coffee Varieties
From the legendary Geisha to Kenyan SL selections, Panama's varieties define its extraordinary cup diversity.
Geisha
Geisha (or Gesha) is the most celebrated coffee variety in Panama and arguably the world. Originally from Ethiopia, it was brought to Central America in the 1950s. Panama Geisha is renowned for its intense floral aromatics, jasmine, bergamot, and tea-like cup, and commands the highest auction prices in coffee.
Caturra
Caturra is a natural mutation of Bourbon, compact and high-yielding. It produces a clean, bright, sweet cup and is widely planted across Panama as a reliable specialty variety.
Catuai
Catuai is a hybrid of Caturra and Mundo Novo, valued for its productivity and compact stature. It delivers a balanced, sweet cup and is common in Panama's mid-elevation farms.
Pacamara
Pacamara is a large-bean hybrid of Pacas and Maragogipe (Elephant Bean). It produces a bold, complex cup with notable body and unique savory and floral characteristics.
Typica
Typica is one of the oldest Arabica varieties, the genetic base of much of the world's coffee. In Panama it produces a classic, elegant cup with refined acidity.
SL28
SL28 is a Kenyan selection known for its intense, wine-like acidity and blackcurrant character. Grown experimentally in Panama, it offers a distinctive, vibrant cup.
SL34
SL34 is a Kenyan selection related to SL28, producing a complex, juicy cup with dark fruit and citrus notes. It adapts well to Panama's high altitudes.
Maragogipe
Maragogipe, known as the Elephant Bean, is a natural mutation of Typica with very large seeds. It yields a soft, mild, complex cup and is used in Panama for specialty micro-lots.
Sidra
Sidra is a hybrid of Bourbon and Typica developed in Ecuador, increasingly planted in Panama for its sweet, floral, and complex cup profile.
Chiroso
Chiroso is an Ethiopian landrace variety gaining attention in Panama for its floral and citric cup, often compared to Geisha but with its own distinctive character.